BILL EVANS — The Alternative Man (1986) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The fact that Bill Evans' years as a Miles Davis sideman had so positive an effect on him is evident on The Alternative Man -- an unpredictable fusion date that, although overproduced at times, is full of spirited blowing and adventurous composing. Ranging from the reggae-influenced "The Path of Resistance" to the addictive "Let the Juice Loose!" to the angular "Jojo," Evans' material is consistently impressive. A Michael Brecker disciple but definitely his own man, Evans tends to be robust and aggressive on tenor and more reflective on soprano. Guest John McLaughlin (electric guitar) is characteristically persuasive on the poetic "Flight of the Falcon." Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    The Alternative Man 5:45
Bass Guitar – Mark Egan
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Jeff Golub
Keyboards – Mitchel Forman
2    The Path Of Least Resistance 4:37
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Sid McGinnis
Keyboards – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Vocals, Composed By – Clifford Carter
3    Let The Juice Loose 5:40
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Hiram Bullock
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Trumpet – Lew Soloff
4    Gardiners Garden 4:30
Bass – Mark Egan
Electric Guitar, Composed By – Chuck Loeb
Percussion – Danny Gottlieb
5    Survival Of The Fittest 3:25
Acoustic Guitar – John McLaughlin
Bass – Mark Egan
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Grand Piano – Mitchel Forman
Keyboards – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
6    Jojo 6:21
Composed By – Rich Meitin
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Sid McGinnis
Keyboards, Composed By – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
7    The Cry In Her Eyes 5:41
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Electric Guitar – Dave Hart, Hiram Bullock
8    Miles Away 5:24
Bass Guitar – Marcus Miller
Drums – Al Foster
9    Flight Of The Falcon 7:23
Acoustic Guitar – John McLaughlin
Bass – Mark Egan
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Grand Piano – Mitchel Forman
Keyboards – Clifford Carter
Percussion – Manolo Badrena

DANNY GOTTLIEB — Aquamarine (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1. Aquamarine (Doug Hall) 4:59
2. Monterey (Danny Gottlieb, Joe Satriani) 4:22
3. The Aviary (Danny Gottlieb, John Abercrombie) 4:39
4. Alaska (Danny Gottlieb, Doug Hall) 6:52
5. Waterfall (Doug Hall) 3:08
6. Being (Mitchell Forman) 6:27
7. Duet (John McLaughlin) 3:28
8. Upon A Time (John Abercrombie) 4:54
9. Peace Of Mind (John McLaughlin) 3:33
Credits:
Personnel:
Bass – Mark Egan (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 9)
Drums – Danny Gottlieb
Guitar – Jeff Mironov (tracks: 4), Joe Satriani (tracks: 2), John Abercrombie (tracks: 1, 3, 8), John McLaughlin (tracks: 7), Steve Kahn (tracks: 1)
Keyboards – Mitchell Forman (tracks: 2)
Keyboards, Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Doug Hall (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Percussion – Cafe (tracks: 1, 2, 5)
Saxophone – Bill Evans (tracks: 4, 5)
Vibraphone – Dave Samuels (tracks: 5)

GIL EVANS & THE MONDAY NIGHT ORCHESTRA — Bud And Bird (1987-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Gil Evans celebrated his 75th birthday shortly before this session was issued in Japan. He was not looking back, judging from the progressive, animated quality of these numbers. They included some extensive, rollicking numbers, songs with multiple movements, and energized solos from John Clark on French horn, trumpeter Lew Soloff, bass trombonist Dave Tucker, and bassist Mark Egan. Special guest Johnny Coles chimed in on "Half Man, Half Cookie." Some critics rapped Evans' '80s orchestras for their almost chaotic sound and loose feel. But Evans wanted a sprawling sensibility, and although his bands often seemed disorganized, they always maintained discipline in the midst of what others thought sounded like musical anarchy. Ron Wynn    Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS – The Honey Man (1986-1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

TRILOK GURTU - Bad Habits Die Hard (1995) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    21 Spices    9:33
Trilok Gurtu
2    Bad Boys    8:38
Andy Emler
3    Returning Home    12:50
Trilok Gurtu
4    Siddhi    11:15
Trilok Gurtu
5    Watapa    7:50
Trilok Gurtu
6    Bad Habits Die Hard    10:06
Trilok Gurtu
7    Carlinhos    13:33
Trilok Gurtu
Credits :
Bass, Voice – Chris Minh Doky
Guitar, Voice – David Gilmore
Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer, Voice – Andy Emler
Producer, Drums, Tabla, Voice, Percussion, Other [Claydrum] – Trilok Gurtu
Saxophone [Tenor, Soprano] – Bill Evans
Violin – Mark Feldman

TRILOK GURTU - The Trilok Gurtu Collection (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Trilok Gurtu's percussion work has powered a number of great albums that effectively fuse world music with jazz, allowing for both tight performance and free improvisation. This collection is therefore a gem, selecting ten cuts from six albums. Both an excellent overview and a wonderful place to begin acquainting yourself with Gurtu's music, and thus an essential addition to any jazz or world music collection. by Steven McDonald
Tracklist :
1     Once I Wished a Tree Upside Down 8'03
Jan Garbarek
2     Cherry Town 5'14
Trilok Gurtu
3     Watapa 7'49
Trilok Gurtu
4     Bad Boys 8'39
Andy Emler
5     Believe 6'25
Trilok Gurtu
6     Ballad for 2 Musicians 6'08
Joe Zawinul
7     Manini 7'06
Daniel Goyone / Trilok Gurtu
8     Baba 8'31
Trilok Gurtu
9     Shobharock 7'37
Trilok Gurtu
10     Om 7'13
Traditional
Credits :
Drums, Tabla, Percussion, Voice – Trilok Gurtu
Guitar – Pat Metheny, Ralph Towner
Keyboards, Piano – Joe Zawinul
Percussion – Nana Vasconcelos
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Don Cherry
Violin – Mark Feldman, L. Shankar
Voice – Shobha Gurtu

DAVE GRUSIN - Dave Grusin Presents West Side Story (1997) Mp3

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of West Side Story on Broadway, Dave Grusin revived the score, giving its ten themes fresh arrangements that keep the original melodies in mind but add a stronger dose of jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms to the music. For the most rewarding recording of this music since Stan Kenton's powerful renditions of the early 1960s, Grusin utilized an all-star big band with strings. Among the key soloists are trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, Bill Evans (who takes several superlative soprano solos), Michael Brecker on tenor, baritonist Ronnie Cuber and flutist Dave Valentin (who is featured on a purposely cute rendition of "I Feel Pretty") plus the pianist/leader, who clearly loves the music. In addition, one song apiece features vocalists Jonathan Butler ("Maria"), Gloria Estefan and Jon Secada. Although one wishes that the singers were more jazz-oriented (or that the entire date were instrumental), the overall result is a very respectful yet creative reworking of the famous score. Highly recommended. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Prologue 5:01
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Don Sebesky
2     Something's Coming 5:34
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Don Sebesky
3     Jet Song 7:42
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Michael Abene
4     Maria 4:24
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
5     Cool 4:48
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Tom Scott
6     Tonight 4:05
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
7     I Feel Pretty 5:16
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
8     One Hand, One Heart 4:30
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
9     Somewhere 4:26
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin
10     America 8:20
Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim
Arranged By – Dave Grusin, Michael Abene
All Credits :

RON CARTER - Etudes (1983) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Sophisticated, elegant quartet date from 1982, with Art Farmer's serene trumpet and flugelhorn playing setting the tone, backed by tenor and soprano saxophonist Bill Evans, who's more restrained than usual. Carter's bass and Tony Williams' drums are both understated and definitive in their support and backing rhythms. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Last Resort 7:29
Ron Carter
2     Bottoms Up 6:18
Ron Carter
3     Arboretum 4:31
Tony Williams
4     Rufus 5:12
Ron Carter
5     Echoes 4:10
Ron Carter
6     Doctor's Row 8:11
Tony Williams
Credits :   
Double Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Art Farmer

ANDY SUMMERS - Charming Snakes (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

You never know what to expect from former Police-man Andy Summers. His solo albums for Private Music have ranged from the chilly metallic atmospherics of Mysterious Barricades to the global rock of The Golden Wire, and now he serves up the steamy fusion of his latest work Charming Snakes. Summers has assembled a stellar group of musicians to back him up, notably the jazz horn player Bill Evans, who appears on most of the pieces, trumpeter Mark Isham, and keyboardists Herbie Hancock and Brian Auger. Holding down the bottom end is bassist Doug Lunn and the aptly named powerhouse drummer Chad Wackerman, who brings both muscle and sensitivity to his task. The tunes range from the chaotic over-the-top fusion of "Innocence Falls Prey," twith its skull-numbing lead guitar frenzy, to the tender jazz balladry of the guitar and sax duet "Charis," to the reggae-based title track which features some limber bass work from his former bandmate Sting. Summers's guitar covers the spectrum from in-your-face wailing leads to subtle background colorings, with much use of electronic effects. He is equally happy to share or even yield the spotlight to the horns, with Bill Evans's soaring saxophones featured almost as heavily as the guitar. Charming Snakes is a strong jazz-rock statement by this wide-ranging chameleon musician. by AllMusic  
Tracklist:
1 Mexico 1920 4:00
David Hentschel / Andy Summers
2 Charming Snakes 5:14
Andy Summers
3 Big Thing 7:07
David Hentschel / Simon LeBon / Nick Rhodes / Dennis Smith / Andy Summers / John Taylor
4 Rainmaker 6:18
Andy Summers
5 Charis 3:19
Andy Summers
6 Mickey Goes to Africa 4:53
Andy Summers
7 Innocence Falls Prey 2:45
Andy Summers
8 Passion of the Shadow 5:10
Andy Summers
9 Monk Gets Ripped 3:57
Andy Summers
10 Easy on the Ice 4:34
David Hentschel / Andy Summers
11 The Strong & The Beautiful 3:49
David Hentschel / Andy Summers
Credits:
Banjo – Andy Summers (faixas: 6)
Bass – Darryl Jones (faixas: 4), Doug Lunn (faixas: 1, 3, 4, 6 to 11), Sting (faixas: 2)
Bass [High] – Doug Lunn (faixas: 2)
Drums – Chad Wackerman (faixas: 1 to 4, 6 to 11)
Guitar, Mixed By – Andy Summers
Keyboards – Brian Auger (faixas: 1, 10, 11), David Hentschel (faixas: 2 to 4, 8 to 10), Herbie Hancock (faixas: 2, 3, 7)
Organ – David Hentschel (faixas: 6)
Percussion – Ed Mann (faixas: 3, 4, 6, 8)
Piano [Intro Solo] – Herbie Hancock (faixas: 3)
Producer – Andy Summers
Slide Guitar – Andy Summers (faixas: 6)
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans (faixas: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8)
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Evans (faixas: 6, 7)
Trumpet – Mark Isham (faixas: 4, 6, 9, 10

BILL EVANS - Escape (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From Miles Davis' Doo-Bop to albums by Greg Osby and Steve Coleman, much of the "jazz/rap fusion" released has been more hip-hop than jazz -- essentially, hip-hop with jazz overtones. Bill Evans, however, has featured rappers in much the way a hard bopper would feature a singer -- on "Reality" and the poignant, reggae-influenced "La Di Da," rapper Ahmed Best successfully interacts with an actual, spontaneous, improvisatory band instead of merely pre-recorded tracks. Best's rapping style -- a cerebral approach akin to De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest instead of more hardcore rappers like Tupac Shakur and Ice-T -- is well-suited to this challenging and complex jazz-fusion setting. On the instrumental side, Escape's triumphs range from the hard-edged jazz-funk pieces "Undercover" and "Rattletrap" to the sensuous, Brazilian-influenced "Coravillas." Though capable of tenderness and vulnerability, Evans has the good sense to avoid bloodless "smooth jazz" altogether. by Alex Henderson

Tracklist:
1    Swing Hop 5:34
Drums – Billy Kilson
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trombone – Ken Meccia
Trumpet – Wallace Roney
Vocals – Loni Groves, Mark Ledford, Robin Beck
Words By, Rap – Ahmed Best
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
2    Escape 5:59
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Scratches – Max Risenhoover
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Wallace Roney
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
3    Reality 6:19
Backing Vocals – Mark Ledford
Drums – Billy Kilson
Electric Bass – Ron Jenkins
Guitar – Gary Poulson
Keyboards, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Percussion, Backing Vocals – Manolo Badrena
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Words By, Rap – Ahmed Best
Written-By – Bill Evans
4    The Sunday After 6:00
Backing Vocals – Mark Ledford
Electric Bass – Mark Egan
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
5    Rattletrap 4:36
Bass – Ron Jenkins
Drums – Steve Ferrone
Guitar – Gary Poulson
Organ [Hammond B-3] – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Wallace Roney
Written-By – Bill Evans
6    Flash In Dreamland 5:17
Backing Vocals – Loni Groves, Mark Ledford, Robin Beck
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Vocals – M.C. 900 Ft Jesus
Words By – Mark Griffin
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
7    Coravilas 7:39
Backing Vocals – Loni Groves, Mark Ledford, Robin Beck
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Bass, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Strings – Chelsea Orchestra
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
8    Easilee 4:55
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums – Steve Ferrone
Guitar [Lead] – Lee Ritenour
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Rhythm Guitar – Jon Herington
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
9    Undercover 5:26
Drums – Steve Ferrone
Electric Bass – Marcus Miller, Ron Jenkins
Guitar – Gary Poulson
Guitar [Solo] – Nick Moroch
Organ [Hammond B-3], Loops [Drum] – Jim Beard
Other [Party Vibe] – Bill Evans, Jim Beard, Mark Ledford, Loni Groves, Robin Beck, Nalini
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Bill Evans
Written-By – Bill Evans
10    La Di Da 5:55
Backing Vocals – Mark Ledford
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums – Jim Beard, Max Risenhoover
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards – Jim Beard
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Strings – Chelsea Orchestra
Words By, Rap – Ahmed Best
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
11    Armsakimbo 4:38
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums [Additional] – Max Risenhoover
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Drum Programming – Jim Beard
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
12    Aftermath 6:15
Backing Vocals – Mark Ledford
Drums – Steve Ferrone
Electric Bass – Marcus Miller
Guitar – Jon Herington
Keyboards, Programmed By [Bass] – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet – Wallace Roney
Written-By – Bill Evans, Jim Beard
13    Undercover (Remix - Marcus' Mad Flav) 5:30
Drums – Steve Ferrone
Electric Bass – Marcus Miller
Guitar – Gary Poulson
Guitar [Solo] – Nick Moroch
Mixed By – Jim Beard
Organ [Hammond B-3], Loops [Drum] – Jim Beard
Other [Party Vibe] – Bill Evans, Jim Beard, Mark Ledford, Loni Groves, Robin Beck, Nalini
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Remix – Marcus' Mad Flav
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Written-By – Bill Evans

BILL EVANS - Touch (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mixing laid-back melodies with go-for-broke jams with some of the greatest names in modern instrumental music, saxophonist Bill Evans lives in the middle ground between smooth jazz and what could easily be termed of as contemporary jazz fusion. On his Zebra Records debut, Touch, the distinction is based on each song's sense of adventure. "In Your Heart," for instance, is the kind of right in the pocket, sweet little slice of passion that radio drools over, made unique (as Evans does on all tunes) by switching off from the high tones of the soprano with the darker shades of tenor to better discuss the emotional complexities of love. Likewise there's the cool, urban-flavored "Remember," which features subtle vocal chanting floating off in the distance. But then there's the edgier side of Evans intertwining his soprano with Lew Soloff's staccato trumpet energy on the brisk blues of "Dixie Hop," and kicking up all sorts of dust on the last two tunes, "Back to the Walls" and the ten-minute "Country Mile." "Back to the Walls" blends both of Evans's axes with Soloff's trumpet, an African vocal chant, the insistent wah-wah guitar of Adam Rogers, and a jamming Memphis soul-inspired horn section featuring Soloff and trombonist Conrad Herving as the Voodoo Horns. by Jonathan Widran 

Tracklist:
1     Wild Ride     3:41
2     In Your Heart     4:46
3     Remembering     4:30
4     Dixie Hop     4:54
5     Girl By The Sea     5:20
6     Nashville Cowboys     4:01
7     Touch     5:00
8     Little Hands     4:44
9     Skippin'     4:46
10     BackTo The Walls     5:30
11     Country Mile     10:32
Credits:
Acoustic Bass – Chris Minh Doky
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Tim Lefebvre
Bass – Mark Egan, Victor Bailey
Drum Programming – Michael Colina, Zach Danziger
Drums – Lionel Cordew, Vinnie Colaiuta
Grand Piano – Jim Beard
Grand Piano, Keyboards [Additional] – Henry Hey
Guitar – Adam Rogers, Chuck Loeb, Dean Brown, Lee Ritenour
Percussion – Manolo Badrena
Producer, Written-By, Arranged By – Bill Evans
Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Keyboards – Bill Evans
Trombone – Conrad Herwig
Trumpet – Lew Soloff, Wallace Roney
Vocals – Lani Groves, Philip Hamilton

MILES DAVIS - The Man with the Horn (1981-1996) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Miles Davis' first comeback record finds the trumpeter a bit shaky (he would improve album by album during the next few years) and has a few poppish throwaway tracks; it is doubtful if anyone really remembers the title cut or "Shout." But with Bill Evans on soprano and electric bassist Marcus Miller, the other four selections are more rewarding with Davis forming the nucleus of his new band. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:

1 Fat Time 9:57

2 Back Seat Betty 11:17
3 Shout 5:53
Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Randy Hall
Synthesizer [Yamaha Cp30] – Robert Irving, III
4 Aïda 8:13
5 The Man With The Horn 6:36
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Celesta, Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Randy Hall
Piano, Synthesizer [Yamaha Cp30] – Robert Irving, III
6 Ursula 10:48
Credits:
Bass [Fender] – Felton Crews (tracks: 3, 5), Marcus Miller (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6)
Drums – Al Foster (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6), Vincent Wilburn (tracks: 3, 5)
Guitar – Barry Finnerty (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Mike Stern (tracks: 1)
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 1 to 4, 6)
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6)
Written-By, Arranged By – Miles Davis (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6), Randy Hall (tracks: 3, 5), Robert Irving, III

MILES DAVIS - We Want Miles (1982-2014) Jazz Collection 1000 – 2CD / RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Davis's second recording since ending his six-year retirement was one of his best of the 1980s. Unlike his bands from the 1970s, this particular unit leaves plenty of space and plays much more melodically. Guitarist Mike Stern lets loose some fury, but electric bassist Marcus Miller is not reluctant to walk now and then in a straight-ahead fashion, drummer Al Foster and percussionist Mino Cinelu are tasteful, and Bill Evans gets in a few good spots on soprano. As for Davis, he was gradually regaining his earlier form. This double LP is highlighted by "Back Seat Betty," a side-long investigation of "My Man's Gone Now" and two versions of Davis's childlike "Jean Pierre." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1 - Jean Pierre 10:43
2 - Back Seat Betty 8:17
3 - Fast Track 15:19
4 - Jean Pierre 4:01
- Bonus Track -
5 - Ursula 2:08
6 - Aida 12:19
Tracklist 2 :
1 - My Man's Gone Now 20:17
2 - Kix 18:46
- Bonus Track -
3 - Fat Time 13:07
Credits:
Miles Davis (trumpet and keyboards)
Bill Evans (tenor, soprano saxophone)
Mike Stern (electric guitar)
Marcus Miller (electric bass)
Al Foster (drums)
Mino Cinelu (percussion)

MILES DAVIS - Star People (1983-2001) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

On this 1983 release, Miles Davis rediscovers the blues. He really stretches out on "Star People," making dramatic use of silence and placing each note carefully. "Come Get It" is also memorable although "U 'n' I" (which had the potential to catch on) is only heard in a truncated version. In general Davis is in fine form on this set and, although saxophonist Bill Evans is barely heard from (many of his solos were edited out), the contrasting guitars of Mike Stern and John Scofield hold one's interest. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Come Get It 11:01
2 It Gets Better 10:06
3 Speak 8:26
4 Star People 18:43
5 U 'n' I 5:53
6 Star On Cicely 4:26
Credits:
Composed By – Miles Davis
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Marcus Miller, Tom Barney
Electric Guitar – John Scofield, Mike Stern
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans
Trumpet, Keyboards – Miles Davis

MILES DAVIS - Decoy (1984) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 This rather streaky set of music features Miles Davis with keyboardist Robert Irving III (who has since slipped into obscurity) and guitarist John Scofield contributing most of the compositions and the other solos. There are some moments of interest (Branford Marsalis is heard on some cuts on soprano), but it is doubtful if anyone will be reviving "Robot 415," "Freaky Deaky," or "Code M.D." anytime soon. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:

1 Decoy 8:33

Arranged By – Robert Irving III
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Darryl "The Munch" Jones
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Synthesizer, Programmed By [Electric Drum Programming] – Robert Irving III
Trumpet – Miles Davis
Written-By – R. Irving III
2 Robot 415 0:59
Arranged By – Miles Davis, Robert Irving III
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Synthesizer, Bass [Synthesizer Bass], Programmed By [Electric Drum Programming] – Robert Irving III
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Miles Davis
Written-By – M. Davis, R. Irving III
3 Code M.D. 5:56
Arranged By – Robert Irving III
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Darryl "The Munch" Jones
Guitar – John Scofield
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Synthesizer, Programmed By [Electric Drum Programming] – Robert Irving III
Trumpet – Miles Davis
Written-By – R. Irving III
4 Freaky Deaky 4:30
Arranged By – Miles Davis
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Darryl "The Munch" Jones
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Synthesizer – Miles Davis
Written-By – M. Davis
5 What It Is 4:32
Arranged By – Miles Davis
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Darryl "The Munch" Jones
Guitar – John Scofield
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans 
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Miles Davis
Written-By – J. Scofield, M. Davis
6 That's Right 11:11
Arranged By – Gil Evans, Miles Davis
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Darryl "The Munch" Jones
Guitar – John Scofield
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Synthesizer – Robert Irving III
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Miles Davis
Written-By – J. Scofield, M. Davis
7 That's What Happened 3:31
Arranged By – Miles Davis
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Bass – Darryl "The Munch" Jones
Guitar – John Scofield
Percussion – Mino Cinelu
Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans 
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Miles Davis
Written-By – J. Scofield, M. Davis
 

MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA - Mahavishnu (1984) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

John McLaughlin resurrected the esteemed old Mahavishnu Orchestra for his mid-'80s quintet, even getting old mate Billy Cobham to fill the drum slot on the band's first album. But this is an entirely different conception than any of the '70s Mahavishnu outfits. The sound is cooler, less strident, more thoroughly dominated by advanced electronic textures -- including a sleekly elegant digital guitar played through a Synclavier. Instead of a violin, Bill Evans contributes some swirling and sometimes bop-flavored work on saxes, and McLaughlin gets mobile but not overly combustible support from keyboardist Mitch Forman and bassist Jonas Hellborg. The homages continue; the opening of "Nostalgia" is exactly that, a throwback to "In a Silent Way" as filtered through digital gear. While this is undeniably prog-minded, beautifully played electric music, it is not terribly absorbing; the quality of the material and the intensity level aren't too high. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist
1 Radio-Activity
2 Nostalgia
3 Nightriders
4 East Side West Side
5 Clarendon Hills
6 Jazz
7 The Unbeliever
8 Pacific Express
9 When Blue Turns Gold
Credits:
Bass Guitar [Fretless, Fretted] – Jonas Hellborg
Composed By – John McLaughlin
Drums, Percussion – Billy Cobham
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Mitchel Forman
Guitar [Digital Guitar, Les Paul Special], Synthesizer [Synclavier II] – John McLaughlin
Percussion [Additional] – Danny Gottlieb
Performer [Flute, Uncredited] – Hari Prasad Chaurasia (tracks: 9)
Performer [Tabla, Uncredited] – Zakir Hussain (tracks: 9)
Piano [Yamaha Blow Torch], Synthesizer [Yamaha DX7] – Mitchel Forman (tracks: 5)
Producer – John McLaughlin
Synthesizer [Synclavier II, Yamaha DX7], Piano – Katia Labeque (tracks: 9)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Bill Evans

PHILIPPE SAISSE - Masques (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

1 Me & The Boyz 4:31

Alto Saxophone – Andy Snitzer

Baritone Saxophone – Roger Rosenberg

Bass [Upright] – Chris Minh Doky

Drums – Poogie Bell

Electric Piano, Synthesizer – Philippe Saisse

Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Chris Botti, Tony Kadleck

Trombone – Michael Davis

2 Masques 4:57

Fretless Bass – Pino Palladino

Piano, Synthesizer – Philippe Saisse

3 Madison Rose 5:14

Bass [Upright] – Chris Minh Doky

Drums – Poogie Bell

Percussion – Mino Cinelu

Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals – Philippe Saisse

4 Feelin' Kinda Sexy 4:36

Bass [Upright] – James Genus

Piano, Keyboards – Philippe Saisse

Trumpet – Chris Botti

Vocals – Yvette Cason

5 Proko-Groove 6:47

Guitar – Nick Moroch

Piano, Synthesizer – Philippe Saisse

Soprano Saxophone – Kenny Garrett

6 Secret Garden 1:10

Piano – Philippe Saisse

7 Wolverine 5:26

Alto Saxophone – Andy Snitzer

Electric Guitar – Nick Moroch

Synthesizer – Philippe Saisse

8 Maurice & Igor 5:42

Flute [Alto] – Roger Rosenberg

Fretless Bass – Marcus Miller

Piano, Synthesizer, Drums, Drum Programming – Philippe Saisse

Soprano Saxophone – Kenny Garrett

Trombone – Michael Davis

9 Prelude 6:15

Fretless Bass – Victor Bailey

Piano, Synthesizer, Drum Programming, Sampler [Sampled Vocals] – Philippe Saisse

Soprano Saxophone – Bill Evans 

Trombone – Michael Davis

Trumpet – Chris Botti

10 Images 6:10

Acoustic Guitar – Jonathan Butler

Bass [Upright] – Chris Minh Doky

Drums – Poogie Bell

French Horn – John Clark 

Piano, Synthesizer, Vocals – Philippe Saisse

11 Will You Ever Know 2:46

Piano – Philippe Saisse

Tenor Saxophone – Kirk Whalum

BILL EVANS - Petite Blonde (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless